Zoutpansberger 23 September 2022

Deadly rabies outbreak

By Andries van Zyl

Residents of the Soutpansberg are faced with a serious outbreak of rabies at present and are urged to take the necessary preventative measures to ensure the safety of not only their pets, but their own lives.

“The situation is very bad. We have to classify it as an outbreak. In the case of rabies, we call one case an outbreak. At the moment, we are getting quite a few positives, so it is quite scary,” said Dr Ashley Heymans, who is currently doing her

Makhado Veterinary Lab.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system. “The disease is reported in different wild and domestic animal species, but most cases of rabies in South Africa involve domestic dogs. Human rabies cases are rare in South Africa, but cases are still confirmed annually. Humans are exposed to rabies through bites (and other wounds) inflicted by rabid animals,” states the NICD’s website. It goes on to explain that the virus is contained in the saliva of a rabid animal. “Most human rabies cases in South Africa are associated with domestic dog exposures. Although a fatal infection, rabies can be controlled through vaccination of domestic dogs (and cats) and the use of rabies

humanprophylaxispost­exposureinexposedcases,”statestheNICD.Thefirstpost­ex­posurepro­phy­

laxis should be administered within 24 hours after a bite. If not, rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear.

The past month, Heymans said on Wednesday, she had submitted between 10 and 15 cases for testing. Almost half of this number was of dogs of pet owners in Louis Trichardt. “The horrible thing is, if a dog comes to us, or any vet actually, and shows signs that it could be rabies, and the owner can’t prove that the dog was vaccinated, which often is the case, especially here in Louis Trichardt, we are obliged to put the animal down. This is because it is such a diseasedangerousthatwearenotallowedtosendtheanimalhome,”saidHeymans.Thisiseventhoughtestinghasyettoconfirmrabies.“Theydon’tallcomebackpositive,butunfortunate­lytheanimalshavetobeput

down to detect the disease. If they are not vaccinated, we don’t have a choice,” said RegardingHeymans.theabove, Alicia Thomas of the Louis Trichardt SPCA mentioned that they had recently had a pet owner bring in her dog with rabies symptoms. The encounter turned unpleasant when

the woman refused to have her dog put down and demanded to take it home. “This is so dangerous! If that dog bites a child, that child [or any person for that matter] could die,” said Heymans, adding that many people still did not realise the seriousness of the disease.

(Contd on P2)

Dr Ashley Heymans (right), photographed during a recent outreach programme together with members of the Louis Trichardt SPCA to rural villages in the area. Photo supplied.

Sakelui in Vleistraat, Louis Trichardt, verloor daagliks derduisende rande aan inkomste terwyl die kontrakteur wat deur die Makhado Munisipaliteit aangestel is om die straat te plavei sukkel om klaar te kry. Volgens een besigheidseienaar, Adam Barnard, sukkel hulle nou al hoe lank om die laaste stuk plaveisel te pak waar die pad by Kortstraat aansluit (sien foto). Intussen bly die pad gesluit.

Sakelui verloor duisende, terwyl herbou van pad sloer

Deur Andries van Zyl

Alhoewel die spreekwoordelike “einde in sig is” wat betref die herbou van Vleistraat in Louis Trichardt, weet sakelui aan weerskante van die pad nie waarom die kontrakteurs net nie die pad kan klaar maak nie. Meeste van die pad is klaar, behalwe ‘n klein seksie van sowat vyf of ses meter waar die pad by Kort straat aansluit. Intussen is die pad nou al vir weke gesluit.

Sover die koerant kon vasstel, is die kontrak vir die rehabilitasie van Vleistraat met plaveistene onder tender nommer 78 van 2021 deur die Makhado Munisipaliteit toegeken. Dié projek is al vir etlike maande aan die gang, nadat aanvanklik begin is met die rehabilitasie van Vleistraat tussen Grobler en Burgerstraat. Aan die begin van Junie is die laaste gedeelte van Vleistraat tussen Burger en Kortstraat opgeruk, met slegs ‘n smal stukkie sypaadjie wat tussen bome deur kronkel wat vir besigheidseienaars, hulle personeel en hulle kliënte toegelaat word.

“Jy kan nie met ‘n vragmotor tussen daardie bome op so ‘n nou sypaadjie ry nie. So, geen vragmotor kan daar deurkom nie,” het Riaan Engelbrecht van Prestige Scrap Metal tydens ‘n vorige onderhoud vroeg in Augustus gesê. Hy het verwys na ‘n vriend van hom, Adam Barnard van G4 Propshaft Centre, wat duisende rande verloor omdat vragmotors nie by hom kan uitkom nie. En steeds verloor Barnard duisende. “Dit lyk of hulle net nie wil klaarmaak nie. Hulle wil ons seermaak,” het Barnard Maandag aan

die Zoutpansberger gesê. “Hulle karring aan en aan. Hulle werk, maar niks gebeur nie,” het hy bygevoeg.Volgens Barnard het hy en van die ander sakelui in die straat al gewonder of hulle nie sommer hulle eie mense moet kry om die pad klaar te pak nie. Maar hierdie aksies sal seer sekerlik uitloop op ‘n konfrontasie met die kontrakteur as gekyk word na vroeëre geb eure. In Julie het die kontrakteur se personeel blykbaar gestaak. Toe het sakelui probeer om ten minste hulle eie opritte reg te maak, sodat kliënte by hulle kon uitkom. Oomblikke later het ‘n tru grawer van die kontrakteur blykbaar daar opgedaag en ‘n reuse sloot oor die pad gegrawe en sandhope gegooi oor die bestaande “alter natiewe” ingange, sodat niemand in en uit kon kom“Eknie.isbesig om my gat te sien. Ek het al gewonder of ek nie eerder moet skuif nie,” het Barnard gesê. So ‘n skuif is egter makliker gesê as Tydensgedaan.die koerant se artikel in Augustus oor die slakkepas waarteen die herbou van Vleistraat geskied, is verskeie vrae aan die Makhado Munisipaliteit gestuur. Hulle is onder meer gevra wie die kontrakteur is wat aangestel is om die kontrak te voltooi, wat die kontrakwaarde is en wanneer die kontrak voltooi moet [moes] wees. Teen druktyd Woensdagmiddag hierdie week is nog steeds geen reaksie ontvang nie, ten spyte van herhaalde beloftes dat hulle antwoorde sal verskaf. Die jongste belofte was Woensdagoggend.

Hierdie groep leerlinge van Laerskool Louis Trichardt het die afgelope twee weke aan die aanlyn Oppie Tong Af-spanredenaars deelgeneem. Van die uitslae wat behaal is sluit in Graad 6-span Franco Botha, Cara Bruce, Lika Burger en Rudi Joubert wat ‘n A++ 90% behaal en Graad 7-span Mienke Burger, Gerhard Furstenberg, Karla Kotzé en Renette Nel wat A++ 92% behaal (een van twee Graad 7-spanne wat deurdring na die nasionale finaal). Die Graad 7-span bestaande uit Mia Hermann, Elni Le Roux, Rogan van den Berg en Olivia Venter behaal A+ 88%. Voor, van links na regs, is Cara Bruce, Carli Hattingh, Catherine van Heerden, Pieter Truter, Rogan van den Berg, Wynand Benade, Karla Kotzé, Mienke Burger en Franco Botha. Agter is Rudi Joubert, Lika Burger, Olivia Venter, Elni le Roux, Renette Nel, Mia Hermann en Gerhard Furstenberg. Foto verskaf.

Rabies outbreak “very scary” says vet

(Contd from P1)

But why the sudden spike in rabies cases? Heymans said the occurrence of rabies was not necessarily seasonal, but it did go in a little bit of a cycle because of the wildlife affected by it. One year would have more wildlife cases than other years. “But, at the moment, it is so bad because the vaccinations rate is so low. Unfortunately, that [vaccination] is really the only thing you can do to prevent the spread of the disease,” said Heymans.Thelow vaccination rate definitely contributes to the spread of the disease, but where does it come from? Over the last couple of weeks, sev eral unconfirmed reports reached the Zoutpans berger of pets, and even children, apparently being “attacked” by vervet monkeys in Louis Trichardt. Some wonder if these vervet monkeys could be the cause. Others speculate that the

local mongoose population found in town might also be culprits.

“Any animal can contract and transmit rabies. More common in this area, it is actually the jackal that is spreading it, because dogs will go for them, especially if they are sick and dogs can catch them,” Heymans said. Just on Monday, she added, she saw a jackal that she was pretty sure had rabies. This was on a farm along the Vivo road. “But something like a vervet monkey or mongoose can also very likely be responsible for transmitting the disease if they contracted the disease,” Heymans said. Regarding this, Heyman added, you cannot be 100% sure which ani mal(s) is spreading the disease. Your neighbour’s dog might very well be responsible. “You don’t know when you come into contact with some body else’s dog that that dog is vaccinated. This is quite scary, because I do not think enough dogs in this area have been vaccinated,” said Heymans.So,what should you look out for? Unfortu nately, rabies exhibits a wide range of symptoms. However, said Heymans, pet owners should look for any change in normal behaviour. “Sometimes a calm dog becomes very aggressive and angry and sometimes a very boisterous dog can sud denly become uncharacteristically calm. So, any change in behaviour is suspect already, especially if that dog has come into contact with wild ani mals,” said HeymansHeymans.saidthat the best way to avoid the dangers of the disease was by getting your pet vaccinated or getting yourself vaccinated. As the world celebrates World Rabies Day on 28 September this year, residents of Louis Trichardt and surrounds are urged to bring their pets for free rabies vaccinations (and deworming) to Dogs & Cats and the SPCA Louis Trichardt. “We have several thousand vaccines available, so I want to vaccinate as many dogs as possible. Cats as well,” said Heymans. Pet owners can bring their pets between 09:00 and 17:00 to the area next to the Legacy Animal Clinic and are urged to bring along their pet’s vaccination certificate, if they have one.

Heavily armed suspects nabbed at Baobab Toll Plaza on N1 North

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The arrest of three suspected robbers, who were intercepted during a snap roadblock manned by the Beitbridge Task Team and Musina SAPS members at the Baobab Toll gate on Thursday, 15 September, turned into what is considered to be one of the biggest weapon hauls in the Musina area. An arsenal of weapons that included seven pistols with 81 rounds of ammunition and two R5 rifles with 101 rounds of ammunition was found in the suspects’ possession.

The arrest was made shortly after the suspects had allegedly committed a cross pavement robbery at the N1 Business Centre in Musina, where a cash in transit security officer, who was collecting cash at businesses in the area, was shot and Accordinginjured.toLimpopo

police spokesperson

Col Malesela Ledwaba, the suspects gained nothing from the robbery as the money bags snatched were all empty. Ledwaba said that the robbers had pointed a gun at one of the security guards and ordered him to lie down, while the driver was shot and injured. “The suspects took two empty money bags and fled the scene in a white Ford Ranger, which they set alight and abandoned at Blikkiesdorp. They then got into two high performance getaway cars a Mercedes Benz and an Audi and sped southwards along

the N1 road, after which they were arrested at the tollgate,” he said.

Along with the weapons, two high perfor mance motor vehicles, suspected to be stolen, were also recovered.

The suspects, aged between 45 and 54, appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on charges of armed robbery, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and the possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles on Monday. Their case was postponed until 27 September and they will remain in custody until then.

The firearms recovered will be subjected to ballistic investigations to determine if they were previously used in the commission of other se rious crimes. Police investigations to determine this have already commenced.

The arrest of these robbers came as good news to the crime weary residents of Musina. Mr Jairos Kamanga of the Musina Crime Prevention group, who works with the police in fighting crime in the area, hailed the arrest.

“This is a step towards the eradication of crime in the area. When we started out, crime was at an all time high, and we are very con cerned about the easy availability of firearms in the area. We thank the border police and other police components for successfully thwarting these robbers. This goes to show that, working together, we can rid our community of crime,” he said.

Some of the weapons that were seized during the arrest of the three robbers at the Boabab Tollgate last Thursday. Photos: Limpopo SAPS.

Where are the water tankers, residents want to know?

By Bernard Chiguvare

Residents from the Makhado and Musina mu nicipalities have been experiencing water out ages for weeks now. In situations like these, the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) is expected to send water tankers to the affected areas, but this, residents say, seldom happens – if ever.

The Zoutpansberger made a few enquiries and, by the sound of things, the VDM does not seem to have enough water trucks to service the whole district.

The VDM spokesperson, Matodzi Ralushai, was asked how many water trucks were available to the Makhado and Musina municipalities respectively, whether these trucks were kept at the VDM or at the local municipalities, and how many functional water trucks the district had in total. Once again, Ralushai avoided providing specifics with a vague response. “Trucks are available, but the demand is more than the num ber of trucks available, particularly during this difficult time of load shedding. Coordination is being done with councillors from affected areas,” heInsaid.addition, this publication also wanted to know why no water trucks are ever seen deliver ing water to the communities, to which Ralushai replied: “Our water trucks are sent out to deliver water to communities with water challenges when the affected communities request it. In other words, tankering is done at the communi ty’s request.” But residents find understanding why they have to request for tanks be sent hard, when the VDM is well aware of the fact that the main water supply is being shut down for whatever reason.

Power cuts, due to load shedding or main tenance work on infrastructure, are constantly preventing water from being pumped to the communities. This has been the case in Louis Trichardt town for many weeks now, leaving residents affected in every conceivable way.

While a fire brigade was busy putting out a fire at a house in Mushongo village on Mon day (19 September), residents rushed to fill their buckets with water from the truck. The desperate residents’ taps had been dry for a long time, and no water trucks are ever sent out by the Vhembe District Municipality to ease their need. Photo supplied.

Justice Baloyi, who runs a food stall along the taxi rank in Kruger Street in Louis Trichardt, said that his informal business greatly suffered from the constant water outages. “I must display standard hygiene at all times to my customers. They, in turn, need to wash their hands before and after a meal. They need water to drink, and if I cannot provide them with any of these services, I lose customers. When there is no water in town, I have to drive back to Tshikota to fetch water. In the process, I delay serving my customers and ultimately lose some – and money,” he said.

Ronel Welman, another Louis Trichardt res ident who lives in the New Town area, said that her taps had been dry since 27 July this year. “I have a garden at home, but everything is dry and dead. My borehole water is not enough for every thing,” she said.

In Musina, Ward 6 residents raised the alarm on their WhatsApp group. “In his budget speech, the Executive Mayor of Vhembe District Mu nicipality said VDM has procured water trucks to tanker water to the Musina residents, but we don’t see the trucks. It is VDM’s obligation to tanker water to residents,” said Sewani Kaunda.

Other Musina residents also feel that the VDM is grossly failing in its responsibilities to residents. They believe that venting their frustrations in a protest march again may just be a wake up call for the VDM to do the right thing first.

Voorwaar nog een van die Soutpansberg se groot bome het geval met die nuus van die dood van die welbekende oom Willie Roux. Oom Willie is Woensdagoggend oorlede ná ‘n siekbed. Hy het op 1 Augustus sy 92ste verjaarsdag saam met vriende en familie op Louis Trichardt gevier. Hy was ‘n pionier in die land se wildbedryf en was ook een van die land se bekendste wild- en vee-afslaers. ‘n Volledige lewenskets oor hom sal in volgende week se uitgawe van die Zoutpansberger verskyn. Teen druktyd was nog geen begrafnisreëlings bekend nie. Foto verskaf.

Another successful Levubu Farmers’ Day was held at Maclands Estate on Friday, 16 September. Apart from the numerous stalls, exhibitions and demonstrations, several informative talks were held by, among others, Dr Theo de Jager, who talked about the forces that have an influence on agriculture, Lizel Pretroius from SAMAC, who gave an overview of the macadamia industry, Derek Donkin from Subtrop, who spoke about market access and gave an overview of current market matters, Gerrie Veldman from Liquigro, who talked about the use of orthophos foliar in macadamias, and Dr Erik Holm, who spoke about nature imitation in farming. Pictured at one of the exhibitions, the Afgri John Deere stall, are from left to right Dewald van Heerden (Afgri John Deere), Lee Ann van Aarde (Afgri John Deere financing), Fritz Ahrens from Ahrens Boerdery and chairman of the Louis Trichardt Farmers’ Association, Stiaan Buitendag (production manager of Ahrens Boerdery) and Herman Smalberger (Afgri John Deere).

SANRAL sheds more light on Musina ring road

By Bernard Chiguvare

On Tuesday (20th), officials of the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) went on a tour to the Musina Ring Road and provided more detail about the R700 million project. The project, which is expected to ease traffic congestion, was completed last month.

any loss the relocated residents incurred. If anything goes wrong on these SANRAL houses from here on, it is the responsibility of the owners of the houses to sort out,” Kotze said.

“Part of the road cuts through the old Musina copper mine and the old Musina landfill site.

Laerskool Louis Trichardt se jaarlikse kaskarboekie-kompetisie het gesluit en die wenners van die boekieverkope is op Donderdag, 15 September, tydens die saalopening aangekondig. Hierdie leerders het gewoeker met boekies verkoop. Van links na regs staan, met prysgeld en hoeveelheid boekies verkoop in hakies, Mienke Burger (R2 100 / 44 boekies), Danielle Mitchell (R1 900 / 43 boekies), Gerhard Furstenberg (R700 / 12 boekies), Jahno Muller (R600 / 11 boekies en wen R600) en Karla Kotzé (R500 / 10 boekies). Foto verskaf.

Hierdie week, 25 jaar

gelede in die Zoutpansberger

Hierdie week, 25 jaar gelede, het die stof nog lank nie gaan lê oor die Groter Louis Trichardt Oorgangsraad (vandag die Makhado Munisipaliteit) se besluit om mnr. Dan Masengani as die dorp se tesourier aan te stel in wat die regerende party erken het ‘n regstellende aksie pos was nie.

Op die voorblad van die Zoutpansberger van 19 September 1997 handel die hoofberig oor die raad se aankon diging dat hulle die aanstelling van Masengani in die Arbeidshof gaan verdedig. Dit het gevolg nadat Imatu (Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union) die raad hof te gevat het oor die aanstelling. Hulle het aangevoer dat die raad die aanstelling gedoen het ten koste van meer geskikte kandidate op die pos te vul.

Op ‘n hartseer noot is daardie week ook op die voorblad berig van die dood van ‘n jong inwoner van Levubu, die 17 jarige Christoffel Wolvaart. Wolvaart, of Stoffel soos wat almal hom geken het, het by sy ouerhuis gaan bad. Toe hy egter na ‘n geruime tyd nie teruggekeer het nie, het sy pa gaan kyk en hom dood in die bad aange tref. Alhoewel die oorsaak van sy dood nie onmiddellik bekend was nie, het die ver moede bestaan dat Stoffel ‘n epileptiese aanval in die bad gekry en verdrink het.

Dan het die Zoutpansberger oor daardie week ‘n pluimpie ontvang. Die koerant is aangewys as beste gemeenskapskoerant in Limpopo en Mpumalanga. Die koerant was een van vyf streekswenners in die landswye Capro/Nissan kompetisie. Die Zoutpansberger het teen 31 koerante landswyd mee geding in die afdeling vir koerante met ‘n sirkulasie van onder 7 000 kopieë weekliks. In totaal het 69 koerante landwyd deelge

Although the Minister of Transport, Mr Fikile Mbalula, did the honours of opening the ring road about two weeks ago, SANRAL felt it should also point out the finer details and clarify some issues around the project.

According to Mr Hennie Kotze, SANRAL’s project engineer, the life span of this road stretches to about 40 years, although the black surface we see is expected to last for about 10 to 12 years thereof.

“In seven years’ time from now, we will monitor the surfacing and put on a new surface, but this all depends on the volume of traffic on the road. However, if more than the expected number of heavy vehicles use this road, the life span could be reduced by 10 years,” said Kotze.

To keep the road in good shape, SANRAL has a routine road­maintenance contractor who will be maintaining the road.

The building of the ring road had some social impacts on Musina residents. Some residents were relocated to houses constructed by SANRAL and some protected tree species, such as the baobab, were transplanted and replanted. “We relocated 32 households to houses we had constructed. For a year we have monitored complaints on the houses. We also compensated for

SANRAL had to cut 18 metres deep through the old copper mine site to make a way for the road. To prevent rocks and sand from being washed away, hessian fabric had been used to cover the side of the road.” In the long run, Kotze said, they will sow seed grass to grow, which will eventually cover the whole area.

The landfill was also moved a few metres back to make way for the new road.

On the walk­about excursion, Joseph Chuene was among the local residents who were seen working on the project. “I am a civil engineering graduate and am gaining valuable practical experience through this project,” Chuene said. He had been involved on the project since last year.

Published by Zoutnet CC, trading as Zoutpansberger and printed by D Brits, Jeppe Street 1, Louis Trichardt.

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Alle regte van reproduksie van alle berigte, foto’s, advertensies en alle ander materiaal wat in hierdie koerant gepubliseer word, word hiermee uitdruklik voorbehou ingevolge die bepalings van Artikel 12(7) van die Wet op Outeurs regte en wysigings daarvan.

One of the baobab trees that were replanted a few metres away to make way for the Musina ring road. Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

Mr Hennie Kotze, the SANRAL project engineer, points at the hessian that is used to cover the sand and rocks, so that rain does not wash them away. If the rocks and sand are washed away, they will flow into the road. Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

Feesviering

Die NG Kerk Levubu-gemeente is gestig op 7 November 1972 en die Levubu Besproei ingskema se eerste inwoners het in 1939 in die Levubu-vallei ingetrek. Die gemeente het daarom besluit om hierdie jaar as die 50-83 Levubu Feesjaar te vier.

“Ons vier hierdie feesjaar met vertellings oor die Levubu vallei en die NG gemeente wat ons op WhatsApp uitstuur om na te luister. Die eerste 10 vertellings is reeds beskikbaar en gaan oor die naam Levubu, die aankoms van die Ven da, Shangaan en Afrikaanse gemeenskap in die Levubu omgewing, die geologie en biodiversiteit van Levubu, die geskiedenis van João Albasini, die eerste nedersetting van 1870 tot 1879 en die impak van die Bushveldt Carbineers op Levubu. Hierdie vertellings word weekliks uitgestuur,” het die gemeente se leraar, ds. Petrus Kriel, gesê.

Op 30 Oktober vanjaar besoek die eerste leraar van Levubu, ds. Fanie Steyn, die gemeente.

“Hy het in 1972 die eerste vyf bome van die in heemse boompark van die gemeente aangeplant en sal Saterdag, 29 Oktober, saam met almal wat belangstel weer ‘n boomplantdag hou waarin ons so 100 nuwe inheemse bome sal aanplant,” het Kriel gesê.

Op 30 Oktober sal ook ses plakkate onthul word. Dit sluit in die eerste geologiese kaart wat Levubu insluit van 1893 tydens die goudstorm loop van 1881 tot 1899 waarvan die kontrei deel was, die kaart van Henri Berthoud van 1903 om die Switserse Sendinggemeenskap se bydrae tot die gesondheid van die Levubu vallei te herdenk, die eerste verkenningsroetes van die Voortrek kers in en om Levubu van 1836, die eerste plaas Welgevonden van 1897 se kartering, waarop die NG Kerkgebou van Levubu gebou is, ‘n kaart van die eerste Levubu plase van 1870 – 1897 en ‘n gedig wat wyle Christie Nel oor die grondeise geskryf het.

“Die 50 – 83 Feesjaar word met die bekende Kersbasaar van 3 Desember gevier, waar ons ‘n gedenkmuur met al die huidige inwoners van die Levubu vallei se name op sal onthul,” het ds. KrielEnigegesê.persoon wat belangstel in die Levubu vertellings, insluitend Sibasa en die Nasionale Kruger Wildtuin, kan net ‘n WhatsApp met sy of haar naam stuur aan 082 898 2081 met die woorde “sit my op die lys”.

“Jy ontvang dit op ‘n uitsending groep, waar jy net die vertellings en niks anders ontvang nie,” het ds. Kriel gesê.

Die vertellings word ook op die NG Gemeente Levubu se webwerf geplaas. Gaan Google NG Kerk Levubu. Op die webblad klik jy op “alles” en dan op “Levubu geskiedenis mp3”.

By Andries van Zyl

Former Louis Trichardt resident Divyesh Joshi continues to climb the corporate ladder and make his hometown proud. He was re cently appointed as chief strategy and transformation officer for MTN South Africa.

Almost exactly two years ago, the Zoutpansberger also reported on Divyesh when he was selected as a finalist in the 2020 Top 35 under 35 competition of the South African Institute of Chartered Ac countants (SAICA). SAICA started the competition in 2014 to recog nise young chartered accountant achievers who are not only excelling in their professional capacity, but who are also making a meaningful contribution to society.

That year, Divyesh was nominat ed as one of those select few indi viduals. His rise in the corporate world has been quite spectacular and, at that stage, the 35 year old Divyesh held the position of acting chief financial officer for MTN SouthAlthoughAfrica.Divyesh no longer lives here, he still has strong roots in

Louis Trichardt and more specifi cally Eltivillas. Many will remem ber his dad, Jagadishandra Joshi (fondly known as Joshi), one of the best known faces at Solly’s Discount World in town. Sadly, he died in October 2011.

As a young man, Divyesh attend ed Eltivillas School. After matric, he started studying chartered account ing at the University of Pretoria in 2003. He finished his honours degree in chartered accounting in 2006 at the age of 21.

A year later, he started working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and at age 27, Divyesh was among the youngest to be put into the part nership process at PwC. He decided to get some commercial experience, however, and joined MTN.

A year later, at 28, he was the youngest general manager at MTN South Africa and the first recipient of MTN SA CEO’s Award for Aspi rational Leadership.

At the time, he managed a team of some 15 functional areas and 500 staff members, and he credits the diverse skills one learns as a CA (SA) as being a major contributor to his success.

Die VLU Aandblom-tak in Louis Trichardt het die inisiatief geneem om saam met Hoërskool Louis Trichardt se LUK van 2023 ‘n borskanker-bewusmakingsveldtog vir Oktobermaand te hou. Geld wat hierdeur ingesamel word, sal gaan ten bate van die Makhado Care Group. As deel van die veldtog sal drie-meterlange seksies pienk lap verkoop word teen R100, asook ‘n kaartjie van bemoediging en ‘n strikkie teen R5 elk. Inwoners word dan versoek om vir Oktobermaand ‘n boom of lamppaal voor hulle huis of besigheid te versier met die pienk lap. “Daag jou buurman of jou mede sakekollegas uit om voor hul plekkie ook te versier. Kom ons wys dat borskanker ons na aan die hart lê,” nooi die organiseerd ers. Die lap kan gekoop word by Leanda le Cornu by die Fuji Shop by tel. 082 895 8576. Om lap en ‘n kaartjie met strikkie te koop, skakel Naomi Phillipson by tel. 082 484 7622.

Divyesh Joshi, who was recently appointed as chief strategy and transformation officer for MTN South Africa, has strong roots in Louis Trichardt. Photo supplied.

KERKE/CHURCHES Munnikstraat 70, Sondag 09:00 & 18:00, Pastor Willem Klopper (082 339 9931).

• AGS El-Shaddai (Musina) Watsonlaan 17, Sondag 10:00 en 18:00, Past. Boetie Visser, Tel: 015 534 3361 084 456 6959

• AGS Levubu

Sien Levubu Christelike Gemeente (Hatfield)

• All Nations for Jesus Christian Centre (LTT) 93 Burger Street (Maranatha Centre), Sunday 09:30 & Wednesday 18:00, Past Benjamin Sithole, Tel 083 532 9492/ 015 516 2275

• Anglican Church / St Marks (LTT) 128 Munnik Street, Sunday 10:30, Rev Robbie Novella, Tel: 015 516 5165

• Baptist Church (Musina) Corner of Whyte & Limpopo Street, Sunday 09:30, Rev Paul Richardson, Tel: 015 534 0479 or 082 446 1728

• Baptist Church / Baptiste Kerk (LTT) 1st Sunday of the month combined morning service (English/Afrikaans) 10:00. Rest of the month English morning service 08:30. Afrikaans morning service 10:00. Evening services combined 18:00. Prayer meeting/Bible study Wednesday 18:00. Ds. Johan Marais 015 516 2714.

• Catholic Church (LTT) Corner Burger & Jeppe Street, Mass times: 1st Sunday 10:00 - 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday 17:00, Father Frank Gallagher, Tel: 015 516 0566 / 082 664 1393 (Catholic Church Musina Tel: 015 534 2085)

• Chapel of Grace Church Sunday 09:00 - 11:00 at Forestry 165 in Louis Trichardt (temporary)/ Siloam/Nzhelele Past Oke Tel 083 461 6455.

• Corpus Christi Christian Church Corner Tarentaal and Tuva Street (Makhado Park, Extension 8), Sunday service 09:30, School of Ministry at 13:30 on Sundays. Pastor Peter Thovhakale Tel 082 691 9943.

• St Peters Church (LTT) 33 Breda Street, Sunday 09:00, Tel: 083 377 0984 (Iain Purdon), 084 404 0050 (Soekie Bierman)

• Emmanuel Christelike Kerk (LTT) Koraalboomstraat 3, Sondae 09:00 & 18:00, Jeug Vrydae 19:00, Past. Andries van Heerden, Tel: 015 516 4282 / 083 357 1658

• Evangelies-Gereformeerde Kerk (LTT) LTT Lodge-saal (Hlangananistraat), Sondagoggend erediens 08:00, kontak ds. Herbie Lyon Tel: 082 906 0288

• Gereformeerde Kerk (LTT) H/v Anderson & Songozwistraat, Sondag 09:00 en 10:45, leraar ds. Innes Nagel, Tel. 082 701 5602

• Gereformeerde Kerk (Musina) Wilsonlaan 1, Sondag 09:30, Ds. Hannes Lee, Tel 081 043 0910 of 015 534 2253.

• Hervormde Gemeente Louis Trichardt (Musina & Alldays)

H/v Stubbs & Forestryweg, Louis Trichardt, Sondag 08:30, Alldays (09:30 elke tweede Sondag). Kontak dr. B.J. van Wyk by tel. 082 629 9851 vir meer inligting.

• Hervormde Gemeente Zoutpansberg (LTT)

H/v Stubb & Forestry, Elke tweede Sondag om 08:30, Dr. B.J. van Wyk, Tel: 082 828 5711

• Hervormde Kerk Zoutpansberg: Geloofsbond van Hervormde Gemeentes (LTT)

H/v Stubb & Forestry, Sondag 10:15, Ds. Ronel Eckard, Tel 072 122 7956

• Hervormde Kerk (Geloofsbond Musina)

H/v Van Zyl & Celliersstraat, Sondag om 09:00, ds. Eddie Eckard, Tel: 015 534 2519 of 082 958 9095, Kerkkantoor 015 534 2756.

• Lede in Christus Kerk (LTT) Joubertstraat 29, Sondag oggenddiens 09:30, evangeliediens om 18:00. Past. T. Gilfillan, Tel 082 465 8774

• Lewende Woord Louis Trichardt Sondag erediens 10:00 te 49 Rissikstraat. Senior past. Andrew Bezuidenhout (071 078 1631) en past. Jan Wilkins

23VrydagSeptember

Dopperkuierkafee

Die Gereformeerde Kerk in Louis Trichardt se volgende Dopperkuierkafee vind Vrydag, 23 September, plaas en die spyskaart sluit in Dopperburgers teen R25 elk, kaas­, rib­, of hoenderburgers teen R30 elk, ‘n Russian en slaptjips teen R25 elk, Hake en slaptjips teen R30 elk en slaptjips teen R10 per pakkie.

Plaas jou bestelling by Nanette voor Vrydag 12:00 by 015 516 4007 of 084 304 4764. Bestellings kan Vrydagmiddag vanaf 17:00 by die Dopperkerk afgehaal word.

24SaturdaySeptember

Spring Day tournament

24SaturdaySeptember

Heritage Day MTB Race at Lalapanzi

The region’s mountain bikers can once again enter the Heritage Mountain Bike Race scheduled to take place once more at the Lalapanzi Hotel outside Louis Trichardt on Saturday, 24 September.Entryfor the races costs R60 for the 30 km (starting at 08:00), R40 for the 15 km (starting at 08:15) and R30 for the 5 km (starting at 08:30).Toenter, visit quicket.co.za/events/lalapanzi or on the day of the race between 07:30 and 08:00 at the Lapapanzi Hotel.

For more information, phone Xanthe at 082 562 0914.

26MaandagSeptember

Retrospektief-uitstalling

Inwoners van Louis Trichardt word uitgenooi om Maandag, 26 September, vanaf 14:00 tot 17:00 te gaan kyk na ‘n uitstalling van Hoërskool Louis Trichardt se Graad 10tot 12­ontwerpleerders se skeppings onder die tema Retrospektief

What is happening? Louis Trichardt Tennis Club invites young and old their Spring Day Tournament on Saturday, 24 September. event starts at 08:00 for 08:30 and participation costs R200 per person (R400 per team) and any type of doubles can be played. To enter, WhatsApp Louis Petersen at Tel 082 785Cash5184.prizes will be awarded for the first three places. Food and a tuck shop will also be available.

Die uitstalling vind is die skoolsaal plaas en bywoning is gratis. Vir meer inligting, skakel mev. Joubert by tel. 078 153 7037.

28WednesdaySeptember

Free rabies vaccinations and deworming

World Rabies Day will be held on 28 September this year with the theme One Health, Zero deaths, and in Louis Trichardt, pet owners are invited to bring their pets for free rabies vaccinations and deworming at Dogs & cats and the SPCA Louis Trichardt.

Pet owners can bring their pets between 09:00 and 17:00 to the area next to the Legacy Animal Clinic and are urged to bring along their pet’s vaccination certificate if they have one.

30VrydagSeptember

Die Roadhogs Motorfietsklub van Louis Trichardt het die streek se motorfietsryers uitgenooi na hulle volgende rally vanaf 30 September tot 2 Oktober by die Lalapanzi Hotel. Die hekke open reeds om 12:00 die Vrydag en toegang beloop R80 per persoon. Alle geld wat geïn word, sal gaan aan liefdadigheid, naamlik die Makhado Care Group. Vir diegene wat wil oorbly sal spesiale tariewe beskikbaar wees by die hotel.

Heelwat stalletjies, kos, speletjies en pret wees sal beskikbaar wees, met hoofborge Michael en Christa Kock.

Die naweek se aktiwiteite sluit ook in ‘n R3 000 eerste prys, R2 000 tweede prys en R1 000 derde prys. Die Sondag sal daar ‘n kerkdiens om 10:00 wees.

Vir meer inligting, skakel Michael Kock (president) by 083 297 7280 of Peter Meiring (vise­president) by 082 935 4069.

Friday30September

LTT Rugby Club AGM & prize-giving

The Louis Trichardt Rugby Club has invited all guests, players and sponsors to the club’s AGM and annual prize­giving function on Friday, 30 September.Theevent will take place at the Soutpansberg Golf Club, starting at 18:00 for 18:30 and attendance is free. For more information, phone the club’s chairman, Kevin Gilbert, at Tel 082 892 8769.

Sunday,

Sunny and very warm.

High: 32oC Low: 13oC

Polokwane VintageOktoberfestExpo,andcarshow 1SaturdayOctober

Local car lovers must not miss out on this year’s Polokwane Expo and Oktoberfest on 1 October as the day’s programme includes a vintage care show organised by the Limpopo Classic Car Clubs.

“If you are proud of your car, come show it off and support a good cause,” invites the club. To register and for more information, send an e­mail to pieterjvermeulen@gmail. com. Apart from the car show, outdoor exhibitions, stalls, food, music and, of course, the beer garden will also be available. The venue is the Pietersburg Civil Airport on the Silicon road. Expo entry is R20 per person and free for children under 10. The Expo will take place from 10:00 tot 17:00.

VLU Aandblom byeen Dinsdag11Oktober

Die VLU se Aandblom­tak in Louis Trichardt se volgende vergadering sal op Dinsdag, 11 Oktober, gehou word. Vir meer inligting, skakel vir Leanda le Cornu by tel. 082 895 8576.

Monday, and very warm.

High: 33oC Low: 15oC

Tuesday, 27 September

Mostly sunny and very warm.

High: 32oC Low: 15oC

A thunderstorm around in the a.m.

High: 26oC Low: 13oC

Vrydag14Oktober

Pa en Dogter Bal

Pa’s en hulle dogters word uitgenooi om hulle mooiste mooi aan te trek vir ‘n spesiale Bedazzling Pa en Dogter Bal in die Ferdie Beyersaal op Vrydag, 14 Oktober.

Die bal is ten bate van Bergcare en begin om 17:30 vir 18:00. Kaartjies kos R200 per pa en dogter (en R50 per ekstra dogter). Die drag vir pa’s is semi­formeel met ‘n strikdas.

Triegie massarevue 19WoensdagOktober

Dit is weer tyd vir Laerskool Louis Trichardt se jaarlikse massarevue en kaartjies is reeds by die skool se finansiële kantoor beskikbaar.

Die massarevue skop vanjaar op Woensdag, 19 Oktober, om 08:30 in die skoolsaal af vir die dorp se kleuterskole en senior burgers, gevolg deur ‘n tweede optrede daardie week op Donderdag, 20 Oktober, om 14:00.

Van Maandag, 24 Oktober, tot Donderdag, 27 Oktober, sal die optredes telkens om 18:00 in die skoolsaal begin.

Kaartjies is beskikbaar teen R30, R40 of R50.

22SaterdagOktober

Hengelkompetisie

Die Hervormde Kerk Vereniging Broodboom, namens die Hervormde Kerk Zoutpansberg (GHG), bied op Saterdag, 22 Oktober, ‘n oewerhengelkompetisie op die plaas Stubbs en Monz op Mopane aan. Dit sal die laaste geleentheid wees om op hierdie plaas te hengel.

Deelname kos R150 per hengelaar (R50 per kind wat hengel) met die kompetisie wat vanaf 06:00 tot 15:00 sal duur. Vir diegene wat oorslaap, is die koste R150 per persoon.

Die reëls behels slegs twee visstokke per hengelaar en geen kano’s, aasbootjies of hommeltuie sal toegelaat word nie (daar mag krokodille teenwoordig wees). ‘n Inweegstasie sal deurlopend beskikbaar wees. Drie spesies (karp, baber en kurper) kan gevang word met onderskeidelik R3 000, R2 000 en R1 000 vir die swaarste sak vis vir elke spesie. Daar is ook ‘n trio spesie bonanza met ‘n R500 geskenkbewys vir elke spesie. R2 000 is ook op die spel in ‘n gelukkige trekking.

Vir meer inligting en kaartjies, skakel Buks 082 856 2603, Erns 083 636 3546, Ben 063 061 2535 of Willie 066 249 3686. Kaartjies is ook by Safety First beskikbaar (Josie 082 300 6386).

Fast 5-netbaltoernooi 29SaterdagOktober

Hoërskool Louis Trichardt bied op 29 Oktober vanjaar ‘n Fast 5­netbaltoernooi aan. Gemengde spanne kan ook inskryf en deelname beloop R1 000 per span van agt lede. Inskrywings sluit op 7 Oktober. Vir meer inligting, skakel Coreen by tel. 071 874 8289.

Belangstellendes word gevra om te RSVP by Mariana by tel. 079 679 8790. Lawrence Khodobo Cell 082 965 5151

EVENTS?

If you know of any upcoming events, e-mail Andries: news@zoutnet.co.za

Bergcare is ‘n nie-winsgewende organisasie wat as sambreel organisasie optree tussen die SAVF, CMR en Kerke in die gemeenskap om behoeftige bejaardes en gesinne te help. Bergcare dien as ‘n een stop diens om skenkings af te laai en deernispakke te versprei deur vrywilligers. Kontak gerus Mariana Luus om betrokke te raak by 079 679 8790

Only two characters to go ­ but maybe our writers can add some laughter

Our judges had another delightful week, reading through stories submitted by mostly young writers. Our young writers are not scared by any topic; they are adventurous, imaginative and, judging by the stories, very kind

people.Our

winner, Zwothi Thothori, entered two stories for the character of Takalani. Both were good, but the judges opted for the more joyful approach, where the central theme is her infectious laughter. Perhaps this can be a lesson to other writers – a story about scars does not need to be depressing. Bring in some joy and laughter!

The judges also loved the story of Ronewa Ramulongo. In his story, Taki is a nurse who is unable to face deformities. She cannot overcome a previous “scar”, which stops her from being a good nurse.

Another former winner of the competition, Anke Roos, submitted a really good story, focusing on a school friendship that develops into love. The friend gets diagnosed with cancer and Taki needs to deal with the gradual loss.

Thank you so much to all who spent time writing the stories and entering them.

Only two characters are now left, namely Lisa and Rovha. We have already received entries for

the character of Lisa (3), and Rovha (1). Remember that you can enter more than one story on each character.Forthose who do not yet know how the competition works:

Every week, R1 000 has been earmarked for the reader who submits the best story. The competition combines a travel story with unrelated individual adventures.

The weekly travel episodes are written by our own staff and these focus on the journey of a group of adventurers who are exploring the Old Salt Trail in the western Soutpansberg. They follow a five­day route, during which they encounter many of the treasures the mountain has to offer. The group of adventurers comprise 11 very diverse fictional travellers.

Two “scar stories” are featured for every day of the trip. The group members stop at a specific location for lunch and one of the members tells his or her story. The same happens at night, when the group members gather around the campfire.Thisis also the part where our readers need to contribute. The readers must use their imagination and write a story focusing on one of the characters. The theme of the competition is: “The night of the scars”. The idea is that each story will focus on a “scar” that the char­

acters received somewhere in their lives. These can be physical scars, or they can be emotional scars.

Short profiles of the 11 characters are provided. Studying each character and building a story around their characteristics will be

Thecrucial.maximum length of an entry is 1 300 words. Once a character’s story is published, that “entry” is closed. If, for instance, you decided to write about Lisa’s adventure and another writer’s story about Lisa gets published, you need to move on to another character.Allthe stories as well as the travel adventures are published on our website towilljudges’normaljudgedpartentryinandenteredpointday.co.za/salt_trail.www.zoutpansberger.Judgingstartsat13:00onaFri­Allentriesreceiveduptothatwillbejudged.Ifastoryisaboutaspecificcharacterthatcharacterdoesnotfeaturethenextweek’sedition,thewillstandoverandbecomesofthe“pool”ofstoriestobethefollowingweek.Apartfromtheseguidelines,therulesapply.The(secret)decisionsarefinalandtheynotmeetanyoneinabarlaterdiscussthematter.Nostaffmemberofthe

Zoutpansberger or their family members may enter.

Meet the adventurers

Marelize is one of the main characters in the adventure and also the narrator. She is 27 and originally from Namibia. She is a seasoned traveller and has visited countries in Europe and in the USA. She will not only describe the route being followed with its highlights, but also expand on her ten travel companions. It is important to follow closely what she says and build the characters accordingly. Marilize has a good sense of humour and willing to tackle whatever adventure awaits. She’s not that good with bike-riding and prefers walking trials.

Gerard is a Dutch adventure tourist. He ticks most of the boxes as far as stereotyping is concerned. He is slightly impatient and not discreet at all. He retired from the university where he was teaching a year ago and now at the age of 66 he spends his time travelling the world.

Rovha, the soft-spoken dentist, with the smiling eyes. He seems to be a loner, mostly travelling on his own. He has climbed Kilimanjaro and completed the Camino de Santiago. You will mostly find him sitting in a quiet sport reading a book or newspaper.

Shabnim’s small stature may be deceiving. She is a tough adventurer and even formed part of an expedition to Marion Island. She looks young, but at 42 she has seen a lot in life. She lectures at a local university and is well-respected in her field.

Rovha

Gerrit (55) comes from a military background. As a young boy, his father (also ‘n military man) shaped him into becoming a soldier. Tigers don’t cry and love is but a four-letter word. Rising to the rank of captain, he was one of the last members of the old South African Army to have seen the horrors of the Bush War on the Angolan border. With the new 1994 dispensation, he found himself on civvy street in a world he did not understand and nor did the world understand him. He never found love, although so desperately longing for it. He is constantly running away from something to somewhere, thus finding himself in the Soutpansberg. Maybe here he can find peace.

Lee (28) was born with a neurological disorder that inhibits the full use of her right leg and arm. She has, however, never allowed this inability to become a disability, living her life to the fullest and constantly challenging her body. Although physically strong, every now and then she shows signs of emotional weakness. She is not keen to talk about it, but something or someone has definitely left a scar.

Adrian is a boisterous character who enjoys controlling the conversation. He is normally the one that likes to walk in the front, sharing his expertise freely with whoever wants to listen. He says he has travelled all over the world, but specifically likes the cold Russian climate. His most enjoyable travel experience was an epic snowmobile Journey in the Ural Mountains.

Takalani (Taki) (25) For the full-of-life Takalani, nursing has always been her calling. She is a vibrant, energetic young lady who’s infectious laugh can make any bad situation feel a little bit brighter. She is loved by all her collegues and patients. Although she has never done a hiking trail, she enjoys taking long walks in her spare time.

Zachary is often referred to as the local Bear Grylls. When it comes to the outdoors, there is very little he does not know. His insatiable thirst for adventure has taken the 39-year-old geologist on some of the world’s most dangerous wilderness trails. It is said that he once disappeared along the infamous West Coast Trail in British Columbia. When he reappeared 14 days later, he had a nasty scar on his left shoulder and a haunted look in his eyes.

Tyd raak min om wenfoto vir September in te skryf

Fotokompetisie

Die streek se fotograwe word daaraan dat die tyd min raak om foto’s in te skryf vir die Zoutpansberger se kalenderfoto-kompetisie vir September.

Fotograwe sal tot en met die laaste week van elke maand hê om hulle foto’s vir daardie maand in te skryf en ‘n wenfoto sal vir elk van die 12 maande gekies word.

‘n Maksimum van vyf foto’s per fotograaf per maand kan

ingestuur word. Oudergewoonte soek ons na daardie spesiale foto wat die uniekheid van die binnenatuurlewe.enuitbeeld,Soutpansberg­streekvanuniekelandmerkebesienswaardighedetotdieDiefotomoetegterdieafgelope24maande

geneem gewees het en moet die fotograaf se eie werk wees. ‘n Prys van R600 sal vir elke maand se wenfoto betaal word. Elke maand se wenfoto sal in die laaste week van die maand gepubliseer word. Deur die maand sal van die beter inskrywings wat ontvang is ook gepubliseer word. Wat beoordeling betref, sal gekyk word na tegniese aspekte soos beligting, skerpheid en komposisie. Slegs hoë­resolusie digitale

foto’s (verkieslik landskap­formaat) sal aanvaar word. Die foto’s kan in hoë resolusie per e­pos gestuur word (een­vireen indien dit groot foto’s is), of op CD of geheuestokkie ingehandig word by die kantore van die Zoutpansberger te Joubertstraat 16B in Louis Trichardt.

Elke inskrywing moet vergesel wees van die fotograaf se naam, kontakbesonderhede, waar die foto geneem is en met watter kamera dit geneem is.

Die 12 wenfoto’s sal aan die einde van die jaar in ‘n groot­formaat muurkalender vir 2023 saamgevat word. Die kalender sal dan onder meer deur die Zoutpansberger gebruik word vir bemarkingsdoeleindes. Vir meer inligting oor die kompetisie, skakel Andries by tel. 082 603 2419 of 015 516 4997 (tydens kantoorure). Hoë­resolusie foto’s kan ook aan hom gestuur word per e­pos na news@zoutnet.co.za.

Lisa (53) is the mother of two grown daughters and wife of the CEO of a successful Sandton-based Import/Export company. Since his work often takes him away on extended business trips abroad and both her daughters had left the nest, Lisa has taken up hiking and bird watching to fill her days and get out of the empty house. She frequently visits nature reserves and national parks around South Africa.

Emma is an experienced journalist who is currently working for a local newspaper while dreaming of becoming a war photographer. At 37 she has won numerous awards for writing, as well as photography, but has never mastered the art of keeping direction. She is constantly searching for that new adventure. Will she ever settle down?

Fotograaf Pietman Muller van Levubu het weereens beïndruk met ‘n paar pragtige inskry-

The night of the scars on the Old Salt Trail

The group of hikers left Sigurwana Lodge with more than a bit of reluctance. They were preparing for the sixth day of their adventure, but the long hikes and steep ascent had taken a toll on their bodies. The day’s route would take them to the top of Lajuma, the highest spot in the Soutpansberg mountain range.

From the lodge they made their way towards a rocky cliff and a waterfall. The path took them down into a beautiful fever­tree forest at the base of the cliff. Edwin tried to cheer them up by encouraging them with quips and anecdotes. “As the saying goes, ‘What goes down must go up’, and we’ll soon be going up again. Just look at these lovely rocks,” he joked, “waiting for you to scale them in a jiffy…” They all groaned and muttered, but before long the hikers had no choice but to start climbing up the rocky slope again. They had to do a bit of scrambling in places to reach the ridge. Once at the top, the trail wound along the plateau with open grasslands and patches of forest.“Look, there’s a klipspringer,” Taki remarked excitedly, pointing ahead. “Yes, or the Oreotragus oreotragus, if you want to sound like a nerdy researcher,” Zachary added. “They can

jump between three and four metres in the air, which is remarkable for such a relatively small animal.” The rest of the hikers were too winded to share their enthusiasm.

The plateau and more open field allowed the hikers to spot more animals, but this also worked in favour of the animals, which quickly disappeared in the dense

weremostsites.rock­paintingtoonEdwinbushes.tookthemaslightdetourvisittwomoreBythen,oftheminslightlybetter

condition,

enough to enjoy the experience.

The walk to Lajuma was, fortunately for them, not very difficult, mostly continuing along vehicle tracks and single­track trails across the odd rocky outcrop. Mt Lajuma, which rises to 1 727 m above sea level, loomed ever closer, but before they started the ascent, the hikers first had to enter a small valley at its base.

Under a cluster of trees in the valley, Edwin called them to a halt and made the highly anticipated an­

nouncement: “It’s time for lunch.” The serene bushveld sounds were abruptly interrupted by the thumping noise of backpacks hitting the ground as the hikers wasted no time in settling down.“Ahh! A spider!” Marelize suddenly yelled, jumping back. On her seeminglybackpack,confusedbythesuddenintrusion,ahighlyirritatedtrapdoorspiderofmorethanthreecentimetresgaveheraneight­eyedglare.“I’mguessingit’sanschoutedeniEntypesaBenoit

On her seeminglybackpack,confusedbythesuddenintrusion,ahighlyirritatedtrapdoorspiderofmorethanthreecentimetresgaveheraneight­

“You’re in spider country now,” Edwin mentioned casually as he joined the conversation. “A five­year survey was conducted at Lajuma a couple of years ago, and 46 families of spiders, represented by 130 species, were collected. This means that 70% of the spider families found in the country can be found on this farm,” he added, looking around hopefully. No luck!

appreciatively.“Istilldon’t like the way this one looks at me. He scares me,” said Marelize, still keeping a safe distance.

schoutedeni Benoit

To explain to the hikers how exceptional a habitat this was for spiders, Edwin tried to put things in context. “In the Kruger National Park, which stretches over 250 000 square kilometres, only 139 species have been recorded. A country such as Switzerland has only 39 spider families,” he added. Nobody looked remotely impressed, except Zachary, who nodded

,

a species endemic to the mountain,” Zachary remarked dryly. “Don’t worry, it’s not venomous. I think thus far only one human death has been caused by one of them in the Soutpansberg region, and that is of a man who got a heart attack when one of the spiders landed on him … but of course, I’m joking,” he added when he saw the horrified looks on the faces of his fellow“No,hikers.it’sno joke. If that thing lands on me, I will surely faint,” said Marelize, giving an involuntary shudder.

The healer of scars can also be scarred

By Zwothe Thothori

it’s my turn!” Takalani exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air and laughing. Although her voice contained a hint of sarcasm, the other hikers joined in her laughter because it was so infectious.

Despite the spider incident, they all looked for comfortable rocks to sit on.

“Right,” Taki said, making sure she had their attention, “I did not grow up in a wealthy family, yet I was a quite a goal-oriented individual. I was also very generous and always willing to help others. I still wonder from whom I inherited this trait because my family were pretty close-fisted. Despite this, I was fortunate enough to be sent to an expensive school.”“But didn’t you just say you came from a financially disadvantaged background?” Adrian asked.

“I did, yes. But because I always aimed at getting the best grades, I was offered a scholarship, which paid for my high-school and college fees. Before I went to this fancy high school and moved into their hostel, I was quite a complex young girl to understand. I used to love role-playing games with my friends. This role playing continued at my new school, but my friends were now all from rich families,” Taki continued.“Mostof the time these games revolved around our future - our careers, what cars we would be driving and the houses we would be living in. We would dress up according to different professions – a pilot, an engineer or a surgeon. I wore very simple clothes. My white school shirt, my casual white tracksuit pants and my mother’s only (almost completely torn) black heels. I had to sneak these

out of her closet, and she was not remotely impressed when she found out the shoes were gone.”

“Oh my word!” Lisa said, giggling. “What job or profession were you dressing up for?”

“That was my friends’ exact response the first time we played dress-up. They said I looked like a lost student,” she laughed. “Anyways, I was dressing up as a nurse, of course. I pasted a piece of paper over the emblem on my school shirt’s pocket, with ‘Nurse Takalani’ written on it. My friends always had all the right props for their ‘costumes’. Thick files, stethoscopes and laptop computers. I had a dirty, torn notebook with a Bic pen.” Despite her words, the others could clearly see her refusal to be intimidated.“Oneday,I went to visit an old-age home, dressed up in my play-nurse outfit. When I got there, a lady doctor was giving the residents check-ups. She told me to be careful not to say anything negative to them as they had not been very cheerful lately. I really wanted to make them feel happy again, so I made up some random jokes, which they didn’t find funny at all. What they did find funny, though, was my laugh. I went back to visit this old-age home three more times and then, on the last visit, the doctor informed me privately that they had observed an interesting trend. The anti-depressants the old folks were given had no visible effect, but my presence seemingly had. On the days I visited, the dopamine levels – the happy hormones - in the patients somehow increased greatly. She said she suspected this was because of the jokes I shared and my infectious laugh.”

“Wow! That’s incredible.” Lisa seemed amazed by this.

“I know, right? It is amazing. To test the doctor’s theory, she asked me to visit three other old-age homes and share the same jokes and laughter with the ones experiencing depression. Almost like a study or experiment … A month later, she informed me that the exact same results were produced - their dopamine levels had also increased! I felt that my laugh was powerful. I somehow served as an ointment for the emotional scars of the old people!”

Taki stood up from her seat and started moving around energetically. “When I told my mother about this and my dream of becoming a nurse, she said: ‘Are you crazy? Going to a luxurious school just to become a nurse? You want to earn peanuts for a living?’ Those words broke my heart. I did not care about the money but about my passion and calling to be a nurse. Despite my mother’s words, I went on to study nursing at a college and then became a qualified junior nurse later at a hospital in my community,” she said, the same determination back on her face.

“One day, the doctors and nurses at the hospital arranged a small party to celebrate an increase in our salaries. At the time, three women in the ward I was on were about to give birth, but none of my colleagues seemed concerned about this. I tried talking some of the nurses and doctors into staying behind, so we could help the women when the time came for them to give birth, but none of them was willing to sacrifice their moment of celebration for the sake of these patients.”

“Yoh, that is not nice,” Lee said, looking bemused.

“I know. I was the only one left in the ward. All three women’s contractions were now becoming stronger

How to enter

* Judging will start Fridays at 13:00.

* Once an entry has been received, that entry stays “live”. When a weekly winner gets selected, the character chosen in the winning entry becomes dormant, meaning that all other entries featuring the same character, will then be redundant.

* If the winning entry does not feature your chosen character, the entry will be considered along with all the new ones received, the following week.

at the same time. Three women, and only one of me! As I was still a junior nurse, I was not qualified yet to help deliver babies. This was a job for the obstetricians. Luckily, I had learnt the procedure well while assisting before, so I helped the first woman give birth. I asked one of the cleaning ladies to attend to the other two patients by helping them with breathing exercises. Immediately after I was done with the first one, I sprinted over to the second one. All went well there too, but the third woman, named Cary, unfortunately had a stillbirth. Her baby ran out of oxygen while I was helping the other women. It broke Cary’s heart. Mine too, and nothing I did could bring her baby back to life,” Taki said despairingly, all traces of laughter now gone.

“At the end of the staff’s little celebration party, my colleagues resumed their posts. At the same time, the head of the hospital also entered the ward. Both my colleagues and he had heard what had happened from the cleaning lady. I thought they would congratulate me on what I had done. Instead, an uncomfortable silence hung over the ward. One of the doctors told the mother that nobody could have done anything, that the baby would have died because of a heart defect,”

“But that’s not true! They had neglected their duties and left you to try and do the impossible,” said Lee, totally“No-oneoutraged.talked about it. I was soon promoted to being a senior nurse and given more responsibility. I suddenly became part of the ‘senior group’ who had to take collective responsibility for what was happening in the hospital. I was wracked with self-blame and hurt, and I considered resigning as a nurse,” said Taki and paused for a while. A dark cloud seemed to cover the sparkle in her eyes, but only for a moment.“Forthe next couple of weeks, I mulled over my future, but I contin-

“See if you can spot a shield­bum trapdoor spider. To me they’re the most interesting, because they’re such weird­looking creatures,” Zachary remarked.“Stopspeaking about spiders, you’re freaking me out. Come on, Taki, it’s your turn to tell your story. Please, don’t let it be about a spider that bit you…” said Marelize.

To learn more about the Salt Trail, visit the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)’s nations/ewt-destinations-medike-3/https://www.ewt.org.za/ewt-desti-website:

* All entries must be emailed to: *story@zoutnet.co.za.Everyentrymustcontain the following information:

Name, Address, Phone number

- Confirmation that the story is the original work of the person entering for the competition and may be used for purposes of this competition.

- If the person entering is younger than 18, a short letter from a parent or guardian stating that the work is original and may be used for the purpose of this competition must be provided.

ued working. The two women with their babies were discharged, and one of them later came to me and said she had named her daughter ‘Taki’, in appreciation of what I did. Even the lady who lost her baby thanked me for what I had tried to do. I realised that my presence and my laughter had been better ointment than some medicines. I heal scars, but in the process, I often get scarred. It’s the price I must pay.” Pain and resignation warred on her“Toface.try and heal my own scars, I started hiking. I found my own medicine in nature, among like-minded people. Mountains such as this one rekindle the fire in me and put the sparkle back in my laughter,” said Taki, the smile back on her face.

Zwothe Thothori is 17 years old and a Grade 12 student at Ridgeway College. “I live in Nzhelele. I am quite a reserved person - this helps me absorb the finer details of life to help me understand the inner workings of the world and my place in the universe,” she says. Zwothe says writing helps her to express and relate her emotions. “I see writing as a crucial aspect of my life. Even though I plan on studying medicine next year, writing will always be a significant part of my life.”

Takalani’s story:

“Yay,

Hoërskool Louis Trichardt kraai koning ná afloop van die naweek se laaste ronde provinsiale Spur XCO-skoleliga by Hoërskool Merensky. Hoërskool Louis Trichardt is as algehele wenners in Limpopo aangewys met 404 punte. Hoërskool Merensky was tweede met 354 punte en Hoërskool Pietersburg derde met 352 punte. Triegies het talle trappers gehad wat gedurende die seisoen vir die span punte opgegaar het en verseker het dat die skool as die Limpopo-wenners wegstap. Die Top 10 ná afloop van die naweek se wedrenne was Xhoë Smit in die Sub juniors meisies afdeling, wat ‘n sesde plek behaal het. In die Youth meisies afdeling was Jenna Adlam derde en Amelia Scheepers sewende, terwyl die Youth seuns se Brendan Bruce ‘n vierde plek ingepalm het, Daniel Lee agtste was, Matthew Lee negende en Tristan Steenkamp en Thabo Mulaudzi albei 10de. In die junior meisies afdeling het Mieke Veldman ‘n derde plek losgetrap, Geraldine Venter ‘n vierde plek, Isabella Jones ‘n sewende plek en Nicolene Venter en Chane Ras was albei negende. Jacques du Preez was vierde in die junior seunsafdeling, met spanmaats Andani Rapalalani wat vyfde en Herman Veldman wat 10de was. Foto verskaf.

Laerskool Louis Trichardt is ná afloop van die finale ronde van die provinsiale Spur XCO-skoleliga by Westfalia (Laerskool Duiwelskloof) op 17 September gekroon as top skool in die provinsie. Die skool se spannetjie het hul goed van hul taak gekwyt die afgelope fietsryseisoen, met heelwat van die jong fietsryers wat die afgelope naweek weer podiumplekke ingepalm het. Hulle was Christiaan Odendaal (1ste sub-Nipper seun), Elana Meiring (2de sub-nipper meisie), Maurits Meiring (2de Nipper seun), Mia Venter (2de Nipper meisie), Cara Bruce (1ste Sprog meisie), André van Ree (2de sub-junior laerskool seun) en Nicolas Archer (3de sub-junior laerskool seun. Die skool se spannetjie het ook Top 10 plekke in die interprovinsiale kompetisie tydens dieselfde geleentheid behaal. Hulle was sub Nippers Christiaan Odendaal (2de) en Mia Venter (3de), Nippers Mauritz Meiring (3de) en Elana Burger (3de), Sprogs Aiden Bruce (4de) en Cara Bruce (1ste) en sub juniors Andre van Ree (3de), Nicolas Archer (4de) en Chrizette Odendaal (5de). Die afgelope naweek se wedren het ook gedien as interprovinsiale byeenkoms, met klein Cara Bruce wat as interprovinsiale wenner gekroon is. Afgeneem is die Triegie-span. Voor, van links na regs, is Mauritz Meiring, Christiaan Odendaal, Nirieke Meiring, Cara Bruce, André van Ree (spankaptein), Adriaan Erasmus, Aiden Bruce en Elana Burger. Agter is Willie Venter, Peroux du Preez, Leander Schoerie, Chrizette Odendaal, Nicolas Archer, Lourens Oosthuizen, Wian Joubert en Robert Strydom. Mia Venter en Franco Botha was afwesig tydens die neem van die foto. Foto verskaf.

Hierdie karatekas van die Soutpansberg Kofukan Karateklub het almal presteer tydens die Kremetart Alle Style-karatekampioenskap wat op 3 September in Louis Trichardt gehou is. Die dag is geborg deur NTT Toyota in Louis Trichardt en Classic Signs. Voor, van links na regs, staan Austin Thomas (silwer kumité), Caiden Breedvelt (vierde kata en kumité), Ian Sadie (goud kata, kumité en span kumité), Luan Sadie (silwer kata en kumité) en Ethan Janse van Rensburg (goud kata en kumité). In die middel is Murendeni Sevhugwana (goud kumité), Christiaan Odendaal (silwer kata), Ruben Victor (silwer kumité en goud span kumité), Rynhardt Botes (brons kata en goud kumité en span kumité. Hy wen ook die trofee vir beste junior kumité student van die dag), Helanje Theunissen (goud kumité) en Kaydon Bird (brons kumité). Agter is sensei Tommy Janse van Rensburg, Renee van Niekerk (silwer kata en brons kumité), Kailey Botes (silwer kata, goud kumité en unisen en goud span kumité), Leoni Jordaan (silwer kata en goud kumité, unisenkata en span kumité) en sensei Lourens Botes. Sensei Johnathan Janse van Rensburg, Ika Mapaya (silwer kata en brons kumité) en Megan Botes (silwer kata en goud kumité, span kumité en unisenkata) was afwesig tydens die neem van die foto. Die klub het ook vir Megan, Leoni en Kailey geluk gewens met die feit dat hulle onoorwonne was as unisenkata span in 2022. Foto verskaf.

Hierdie fietsryers van Hoërskool Louis Trichardt het hulle Limpopo-kleure in fietsry verwerf. Voor, van links na regs, staan Nicolene Venter in die junior meisiesafdeling, Mieke Veldman in die junior meisiesafdeling, Jacques du Preez in die junior seunskategorie en Geraldine Venter in die junior meisies. Agter is Xhoë Smit in die sub-junior meisieskategorie, Brendan Bruce in die kategorie vir Youth seuns en Jenna Adlam in die Youth meisiesafdeling. Foto verskaf.

Laerskool Louis Trichardt se eerste meisieshokkiespan het Saterdag, 17 September, as oor winnaars uit die stryd getree tydens hul kwarteindwedstryde. Die span het teenThabazimbi en Drakensig in Moogophong gespeel en albei wedstryde gewen. Hulle speel eerskomende Saterdag, 24 September, in die semifinaal teen Laerskool Julian Muller en indien hul wen, sal hulle dieselfde dag in die finaal speel. Die span bestaan uit Cara Bruce (voor) en agter haar, van links na regs, Mikeila Scheepers, Renette Nel, Mia Hermann, Chaeli Thomson, Abigail Oosthuizen, Olivia Venter en Lika Burger. Heel agter staan Danae Schuch, Amelia Meintjies, Leone Janse van Rensburg, Catherine van Heerden en Carla Kotze. Foto verskaf.

Laerskool Louis Trichardt se tweede meisieshokkiespan het ook uitstekend gevaar tydens hul kwarteindwedstryde in Mookgopong die afgelope naweek. Hulle het beide wedstryde teen Duiwelskloof en Thabazimbi gewen. Saterdag, 24 September, sal hulle in die semifinaal teen Euphoria speel en indien hulle wen, sal hulle dieselfde dag ook in die finaal speel. Die span bestaan uit (voor, van links na regs) Carlize Pretorius, Tayyibah Moosa, Chandré du Toit, Mienke Burger, Zanri Janse van Rensburg, Ezette van Rensburg, Chinique Fisser, Bianca Bezuidenhout en Liané Smit. Agter is Lyla Wojciechowski, Chrizette Odendaal, Karla Kotzé, Muofhe Mudau, Venousche Fourie, Elizma Barnard, en Elni le Roux. Foto verskaf.

All persons having objec�on to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge wri�ng with the REGISTRAR OF DEEDS LIMPOPO, at POLOKWANE, within two (2) weeks a�er the date of the publica�on of this Louis Trichardt this the 20th day of September 2022.

Applicant: KERN, Toit Inset: The winners of the CSC Louis Trichardt golf day, Marius Mostert (left) and Francois Labuschagne. Photos supplied.

Messina Primary School’s first hockey team boys expressed their gratitude toward NFA Bluestar for their sponsorship of new shirts. Pictured are (in front, from left to right) Tshe po Sibanda, Mikateko Nyabane, Pfano Ramphabana, Newo Ramarumo, Joshua Mudzongo and Nthambeleni Nembudani. In the second row are Matthews Munayi, Donavan Maake and Evans Shamba. In the third row are Unarine Singo, Ethan Schmidt, Jamie Venter, Ms Zelda Vos (coach), Francois de Villiers, Pieter Molter and Anoint Sishewo. At the back are Mr Hendrik Marais (NFA Bluestar) and Ms Lucinda Vorster (principal). Photo supplied.

Messina Primary School expressed their gratitude towards Mr Ajay Rana from the Rana Group for their sponsorship towards their cycling team. “They look stunning in their new shirts,” said the school. Photo supplied.

Classification gives everyone the opportunity to compete

Sport Development

On 10 September, the Isability Sports Club in Louis Trichardt facilitated a classification day for new para-athletes.

“Our region is extremely privileged to have an internationally qualified and accredited Para­athletic classifier in our midst, namely Louisa Kirsten. Louisa regularly travels abroad to serve on international classification panels at Grand Prix and other international para­athletics events to add to her extensive knowledge and experience in this field,” said Isability spokesperson Sandy James.James explained that classification is a foundational aspect in para­athletics and any sport for people with a physical disability. To keep competition on a level ‘playing field’, athletes with similar physical challenges compete against one another. For example, a T11 athlete is a track athlete (T = track) who is visually impaired to the extent that he or she needs to run with a guide runner, while a T13 athlete is a track runner whose visual impairment is not as serious and this runner competes without a guide runner. Amputees and quadriplegic athletes are also not merely all bunched into one group, a lot depends on where on the limb the amputation is. Without an official classification that is medically and technically based, a para­athlete cannot compete provincially, nationally or internationally.On10September, about 70 people, including existing para­athletes, new para­athletes, volunteers and officials, gathered at the sport grounds of Laerskool Louis Trichardt, where new athletes were assessed while others received some coaching and practice. Some were local,

while others travelled from as far as Polokwane and Tzaneen for the occasion. A total of 27 new athletes were classified, 10 of these officially and 17 provisionally. This enables the new athletes to begin training in earnest to compete in provincial trials, the first of which will be held on 12 November 2022 in Louis Trichardt.

“It was encouraging to see one of our ‘newer’ athletes, local Corrie Dercksen, who was classified last year, assisting club coach Vhumbani Masakone in the seated events. Equally enthusiastically, Schalk Corbett, having participated in field events in his youth, did not hesitate to get down to work and assist with guiding the standing field athletes,” said James.

Isability would like to express sincere thanks to Laerskool Louis Trichardt (Ms Irene Adendorff and Greg Stewart and the SGB) for making their facilities available for this important event, and for going out of their way to make sure that everything was suitably prepared. “We would also like to thank Talisman, and particularly Laurie Bannatyne, for always cheerfully going out of his way to deliver wheelchair­friendly mobile toilets when we have such events. We would not be able to do any of what we do without our faithful volunteers and our club officials, so we thank one and all who made a contribution towards the success of the day. Above all, glory to God for the way people from diverse communities are able to come together in our town and make a difference,” said James.

The staff at Isability are always ready to assist members of the community to find out more about becoming active for fun, or even competitive. For more information, contact Sheryl at 083 415 7056, Sandy at 084 506 3333 or Vhumbani at 060 764 8995.

Local conservationists take on gruelling Rhino Peak Challenge

By Andries van Zyl

Well-known Soutpansberg conservationists Cath Vise (43) and Dawn Booyens (36) took part in the gruelling Rhino Peak Challenge (RPC) the past weekend to help raise much-needed funds for conservation.

The RPC is a conservation fundraiser that takes place in the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site each year.

A limited number of RPC Ambassadors set themselves the challenge of ascending the famous Rhino Peak (3056m) and raising funds for the RPC Beneficiaries while doing so. Since its inception in 2016, the RPC has raised almost R3.7m for Wildlife ACT, The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and EKZNW. These funds are spent specifically on projects involving vultures, rhinos, and cranes.

Locally, Cath and Dawn need little introduction. Cath hails from Louis Trichardt and is the EWT Soutpansberg protected­area programme manager. Dawn comes from Waterpoort and is a game farm manager and ecologist

As for the reason they competed, Cath and Dawn sum things up in their online race“Raisingbiographies.funds for protected area management is a continual challenge, and we rely heavily on donor funding and fundraising events. The funds that we raise through this challenge will go towards the work we do in the Soutpansberg, and help ensure we create safe spaces for multiple threatened species such as Cape Vultures. Even though the Soutpansberg is a recognised critical biodiversity area, a hotspot for species endemism, a key biodiversity area, a strategic water­source area and a focus area within the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy, very little of the mountain (less than 2%) is currently under any formal conservation,” said Cath.“From the moment I set foot in the Soutpansberg (some 18 years ago), I fell in love and knew this was where I wanted to be… The Soutpansberg is full of ecological treasures and hidden gems. One such gem is a colony of Cape Vultures. I have taken up the Rhino

Peak Challenge to raise funds to help protect these critically important birds. Vultures are not known for their splendour and beauty, but they are known for the critical ecosystem services that they provide as one of nature’s most efficient clean­up crews. Globally, their numbers are declining at an alarming rate. But there is hope for the northern region Cape Vultures in South Africa where annual monitoring data shows an overall increase in population numbers at most of the breeding colonies,” said Dawn.

Dawn finished the gruelling 21 km trail race, with an elevation of 1 300 metres, as the fastest woman in a time of four hours and 13 minutes. “So far, the RPC has raised over R1.1 million for conservation, with Dawn and I currently on R47 000 for Soutpansberg conservation,” said Cath.

To find out more about the projects that Cath and Dawn are involved with, or how to get involved, write to Cath at catherinev@ewt.org.za. For more information on the RPC, visit https:// rhinopeakchallenge.co.za.

Cath Vise (left) and Dawn Booyens (right) who competed in the Rhino Peak Challenge in aid of conservation that past weekend. Photo supplied.

Pictured is a large group of Para-athletes from Polokwane who attended. Photo supplied.